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How to prepare for a successful Scholarship Application and Interview

How to prepare for a successful Scholarship Application and Interview. Academic Advising Office March 2015. What the Interview Panel Looks For. How well you meet the selection criteria How do you stand out among other applicants How you conduct yourself at the interview meeting.

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How to prepare for a successful Scholarship Application and Interview

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  1. How to prepare for a successful Scholarship Application and Interview Academic Advising Office March 2015

  2. What the Interview Panel Looks For • How well you meet the selection criteria • How do you stand out among other applicants • How you conduct yourself at the interview meeting

  3. How to Prepare • Study the background of the Scholarship • Vision and Purpose • Qualities of the successful applicant • Do a Self-audit • Matching strengths & qualities • Evidence of contributions • Vision and Aspiration • Relevance for your future career and contribution

  4. Tips for interviewing • Review your application materials and scholarship information thoroughly • Be able to tell your story to demonstrate your self-understanding and dedication • Prepare evidences of achievements and strengths

  5. Tips for interviewing • Anticipate and prepare for difficult questions • Show sincerity, modesty and enthusiasm • Stay abreast of the current affairs in the specific field • Be confident and stay calm

  6. Non-verbal Communication  Eye contact  Direct, natural and confident  Smile  Voice  Sound enthusiastic, right pace and voice level  Gestures  Avoid nervous gesture  Postures  Stand and walk up-right

  7. Project a Good Image • Well-groomed • Professionally dressed • Be punctual, pleasant and polite • Turn off mobile phone • Send a thank you note

  8. Scholarship Application Tips • Personal Statement • CV with full records of achievements in academic, extra-curricular and other relevant areas • Application form • Reference letters • Transcripts • Proposal (e.g. Research Scholarship)

  9. Writing a Personal Statement • Describe how your strengths, achievements and passions make you a strong candidate • Describe intellectual and personal experiences critical to the development of your interests/goals • Explain how your goals are related to the scholarship

  10. Writing a Scholarship CV • Focus on experience that aligned with criteria of the scholarship e.g. research, service leadership • Highlight sustained effort to demonstrate commitment and dedication • Reverse chronological order • Achievements: use action verbs and show results • Professional presentation: clear and consistent format

  11. Filling in Application form • Follow instructions • Professional presentation, typed and in consistent format • Use bullet points • Economical use of words • Show results, rather than process • Make use of “Additional Information” to give yourself an edge over other candidates e.g. Other contributions to society, leadership experience

  12. Getting a Great Reference • Testimonial of your character and strengths • Find the right referee • Ask early and provide useful information to the referee to get a useful reference • Follow up and inform referee of the result • Show gratitude and stay in touch • Build relationship with professors, tutors and advisers

  13. Additional Resources at HKU Preparation for Scholarships • Academic Advising Office http://aao.hku.hk • CEDARS (Careers and Placement) http://cedars.hku.hk • Centre for Applied English Studies http://caes.hku.hk Search for Scholarships • http://www.scholarships.hku.hk/news/detail/76

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